New Orleans during the Super Bowl is a spectacle. The city’s energy reaches another level as fans pour in, the streets hum with anticipation, and every bar, restaurant, and venue comes alive. Whether you’re here for the game, the food, or the non-stop party, this guide will make sure you experience it all.
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Where to Stay
Finding the right place to stay in New Orleans during the Super Bowl is all about location. The French Quarter is where the party never stops—if you want to be in the thick of the action, book a hotel here. Bourbon Street will be packed, so expect noise, crowds, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
For a more balanced stay, the Central Business District (CBD) or the Warehouse District offer easy access to both the stadium and nightlife without the non-stop madness of the Quarter. High-end options like The Roosevelt and The Ritz-Carlton provide a luxury escape, while boutique hotels like Hotel Monteleone and Ace Hotel bring style and comfort.
If you’re traveling in a group, Airbnbs and vacation rentals can be a smart option, but they book up quickly, and prices surge as game day approaches. Plan ahead to lock in the best spots.
What to Eat
New Orleans is a food city, and skipping the classics would be a crime. Start your day with beignets and café au lait from Café du Monde—the powdered sugar will get everywhere, but that’s part of the experience.
For lunch or dinner, a reservation at Commander’s Palace is worth the effort. Their turtle soup, pecan-crusted fish, and 25-cent martinis (yes, really) make it a legendary spot. If you’re craving something more casual, Cochon serves some of the best Cajun food in town—order the wood-fired oysters and the boudin.
When hunger hits late at night, Verti Marte is the go-to. It’s a tiny corner store with a takeout counter that serves enormous, overstuffed sandwiches. If you’re stumbling through the French Quarter, grab a Lucky Dog from one of the iconic street vendors—it’s the ultimate New Orleans drunk food.
Must-See Attractions
Even with the Super Bowl madness, make time to explore the city. Jackson Square is the heart of the French Quarter, with street performers, tarot readers, and the towering St. Louis Cathedral as a backdrop. Just a short walk away, Frenchmen Street is the place for live music—skip Bourbon Street for a night and dive into the jazz clubs here instead.
For history buffs, The National WWII Museum is a world-class experience, packed with immersive exhibits and real-life artifacts. If you want something more laid-back, take a stroll through the Garden District, where historic mansions sit beneath sprawling oak trees.
Take a Swamp Tour
If you want to experience Louisiana’s wild side, a swamp tour is a must. Just outside the city, the bayous stretch for miles, home to alligators, wild boars, and rare birds. Different tours offer different experiences, from high-speed airboat rides to peaceful, slow-moving boat trips through the cypress trees.
Bayou Swamp Tours is the best option for spotting gators up close, as they mix history with wildlife encounters—guides might even let you hold a baby alligator and they offer a variety of tours.
Regardless of which tour you choose, seeing the Louisiana bayous firsthand is an unforgettable experience—a perfect way to escape the city’s noise for a few hours before diving back into the Super Bowl chaos.
The Best Bars and Nightlife
New Orleans knows how to drink. Whether you’re looking for cocktail bars, dive bars, or live music, there’s something for everyone.
Pat O’Brien’s is a must-visit, home of the legendary Hurricane cocktail and a massive courtyard perfect for groups. The Carousel Bar, inside Hotel Monteleone, is an experience on its own—it literally rotates while you drink.
For history and atmosphere, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is one of the oldest bars in the country, lit only by candlelight. If you’re after live music, The Spotted Cat on Frenchmen Street delivers the best intimate jazz sets in town.
And don’t forget—you can drink on the go. New Orleans allows open containers, so grab a to-go cup and keep the party moving.
